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By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declined the request of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, from preventing him from pursuing his presidential ambition.
Emefiele had on Monday, through his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), told the court in Abuja that he can run for the post of the President without vacating his position as the CBN governor.
Ozekhome told the court that Section 84 ((12) of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended does not affect Emefiele, being a public servant and not a political appointee.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, declined to grant the order but in turn, ordered him to put the defendants on notice and also serve court processes on the defendants.
The judge ordered AGF and INEC to appear before the court on May 12 and show cause why Emefiele’s request should not be granted.
The CBN governor had approached the court to seek a constitutional interpretation on his non-resignation while pursuing his political interests.
According to Section 9 of the CBN Act, 2007, the apex bank governor must not venture into any other vocation while in office and must resign in writing to the President if he nursed such intention.
“The Governor and the Deputy Governors shall devote the whole of their time to the service of the bank and while holding office shall not engage in any full or part-time employment or vocation whether remunerated or not except such personal or charitable causes as may be determined by the Board and which do not conflict with or detract from their full-time duties…” the CBN ACT read.